Upward confident Maidenhead United can push on from victory at Ebbsfleet United

Midfielder Ryan Upward is optimistic Maidenhead United can push on up the league table after his fantastic header helped them to a much-needed 2-1 win at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

It was the first time the Magpies had picked up a three-point haul in nine matches and halted a streak of disappointing defeats and draws that have seen the side slip down the table to 16th in recent weeks.

Only their early season form, which saw them win four times on the road in the first month of the season, has kept their necks above the relegation zone.

But this victory, earned by Danny Whitehall's first half free-kick and Upwards' towering late header, could prove to be a defining moment in the campaign and sees them looking up the table again rather than down with the play-off spots just six points away.

Their ability to build on this victory, after this weekend's FA Cup tie against Wealdstone, will dictate whether they can press on for a top half finish or continue to nervously look over their shoulders.

“It was great to get the win and to score myself was a great feeling, but the main aim was to get the three points," said Upward. “It was a must win (game) for us. We are all in very good spirits so we’re looking onwards and upwards from here.”

United host the Stones for a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup on Saturday and Upward is unsure if the tie has come at the right time for the Magpies.

“Whilst it is nice to have a little break from the league with the FA Cup, I’m not sure if it would’ve been best to have (got back on) a little run in the league now because we’ve got a win under our belts from Saturday," he said.

“Either way, we’ve got a game on Saturday and it is something to play for.

“Hopefully we can progress to the next round and then start focusing on the league again for the next couple of weeks,” added Upward.

James Ruffell and his Ministry of Silly Walks Signs. James put up a Ministry of Silly Walks sign to encourage people to do a silly walk when they go past his house. The idea is based on a scene from the Monty Python movie. High Street, Sonning. James Ruffell